Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

Apples and oranges. They're both great though; I'd say the current formulation of Cuir de Russie is better than the current formulation of Bel Ami, but I am super partial to CdR. I'd say it really comes down to what you are looking for style-wise. Bel Ami is a more traditional men's scent and Cuir de Russie is plush and luxurious. Both do have strong animalic (read: barnyard) aspects to them, so there's that. I dunno, I just never really picture them as neighbors.

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

I don't feel the necessity to choose one over the other. Cuir De Russie is definitely more androgynous, richer and more classically old-fashioned whereas Bel Ami (vintage) is clearly a late 80s masculine. Two different types of leather...

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

Originally Posted by Francolino

I go with Bel Ami and you?

I prefer Bel Ami (in any iteration). I like both, but Bel Ami works much better on me than Cuir de Russie which I find to be very thin and weak (the EdT). In fact, I'd even choose Bel Ami Vetiver over Cuir de Russie. Cuir de Russie no doubt smells wonderful and rich, but is not at all a practical solution given its shortcomings.

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

Neither, get Bel Ami Vetiver instead. Has all the good bits of Bel Ami and introduces a Vetiver note that enhances the leather note beautifully.

Are you saying this to me or Francolino?

If I am being addressed - probably, yes. Getting Cuir de Russie is out of question (I'm torn between a neutral and a negative, but I think neutral is right). I like each of Bel Ami and Bel Ami Vetiver (going through a decant of Bel Ami Vetiver quite fast), but already got Puredistance M so Bel Ami Vetiver might be more of a variety/diversity.

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

Originally Posted by freewheelingvagabond

Have you tried Cuir de Russie? Very weak ....

I sampled what's available from the Exclusifs line and thought it was nice, but not something I'd look to add to my collection. I've never tried the vintage, but my feeling is that I'd really enjoy it.

Truth be told, Imperial Del Oro Russian Leather and Lency Russian Leather both nip at the heels of vintage Bel Ami. The use of birch tar in these 3 fragrances mentioned really set the stage, and as a result, separate themselves from the pack of leathers I've tried.

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

,

Originally Posted by freewheelingvagabond

Are you saying this to me or Francolino?

If I am being addressed - probably, yes. Getting Cuir de Russie is out of question (I'm torn between a neutral and a negative, but I think neutral is right). I like each of Bel Ami and Bel Ami Vetiver (going through a decant of Bel Ami Vetiver quite fast), but already got Puredistance M so Bel Ami Vetiver might be more of a variety/diversity.

I was responding to the thread generally, so you're welcome to chime in. I agree Pure Distance M is more than sufficient cover for the Hermes leather offerings .

Re: Hermes Bel Ami or Chanel cuir de Russie ?

Originally Posted by pluran

Knize Ten

Yes, Knize Ten over the two.

Bel Ami is more pleasant and easy to make a signature scent. I love the smell of vintage Bel Ami coming from my jacket from my previous wearings. Vintage Chanel Cuir de Russie is very true to its name, sharp animalic Russian leather. It just doesn't sit well with my nose for regular wearings but I still keep a bottle for reference. Cuir de Russie is a better composed fragrance of the two.